Description: Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex, a distinct breed of cat, is popular for its highly curly hair, which is the result of a natural mutation. Originating from Montana, USA, in 1987, this breed is characterized by its plush and woolly coat, which sets it apart from other Rex breeds. The Selkirk Rex comes in both long and short hair varieties and possesses a muscular, mid-sized body. These cats are known for their patient, loving, and playful personalities, making them excellent companions. They are notably tolerant and sweet-natured, getting along well with children and other household pets. The breed's people-oriented nature means they thrive on interaction and companionship, fitting well into most family environments.
Properties
The Selkirk Rex is a distinctive and charming cat breed known for its soft, curly coat that resembles a teddy bear's fur. This breed originated in Montana, USA, in 1987, from a housecat that gave birth to a litter of kittens which included one with unique curly hair. The owner gave this curly-haired kitten to a Persian cat breeder, who then developed the breed through crossbreeding with British Shorthairs, Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and American Shorthairs, establishing both longhair and shorthair variants.
The Selkirk Rex is often referred to as a 'cat in sheep's clothing' due to its woolly locks and plush texture. Its curly coat, which is the result of a natural genetic mutation, is the most famous characteristic of the breed. The curls are random and unstructured, present on the whiskers and eyebrows as well as throughout the body. The breed comes in a variety of colors and patterns, contributing to their popularity among cat enthusiasts.
Beyond their unique appearance, Selkirk Rex cats are beloved for their delightful personalities. They are known for being highly sociable, affectionate, and patient, making them excellent companions. These cats often display a playful and laid-back temperament but can also be quite active at times. They tend to bond closely with their families and crave attention and interaction, which makes them a great choice for homes with children and other pets.
Their care requirements include regular grooming to manage their curly coats. While the Selkirks with longer hair may require more frequent grooming to prevent matting, the shorthaired variety tends to have a more low-maintenance coat. Regular brushing is advisable to keep their coat in good condition and to minimize shedding.
Overall, the Selkirk Rex is a robust and healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be predisposed to certain genetic health issues. Prospective owners should ensure they obtain their cats from reputable breeders who conduct appropriate health screenings. With a proper diet, regular veterinary checkups, and loving care, the Selkirk Rex is a delightful, cuddly companion that can bring much joy and affection to any home.
Appearance
The Selkirk Rex is a distinctive and charming cat breed, renowned for its soft, curly fur which gives it a very plush and woolly appearance. This breed's unique look comes from a genetic mutation responsible for its curly coat, which can be seen in both longhair and shorthair varieties. The breed was first discovered in 1987 in Montana, USA, and has since become a beloved choice among cat aficionados around the world.
Physically, the Selkirk Rex is medium to large in size, with a strong and muscular build that lends robustness to its frame. It displays round full cheeks and large, expressive eyes that add to its endearing expression. One of the breed's most captivating features is its coat, which varies from loose, individual curls to a denser, more plush texture. The curls are random and unstructured, which contribute to the breed's sometimes tousled appearance.
Unlike some other Rex breeds, the Selkirk's coat is not prone to balding and actually tends to thicken and become curlier as the cat matures. The breed can sport any color or pattern, including white, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, and lilac, as well as various tabby and pointed patterns. Coupled with its curly whiskers, the Selkirk Rex's coat is both a tactile and visual delight.
The structure of the Selkirk Rex's body is also notable for its roundness. With a broad head and pleasantly round eyes, matched with a similarly rounded body, everything about this breed screams 'cuddly'. Their legs, of medium length and with large, round paws, fit well with the rest of their substantial build, supporting their often-cuddly demeanor. The tail of the Selkirk Rex is thick and plush, tapering slightly to a rounded tip.
The breed tends to mature slowly and retains kitten-like behaviors and characteristics into adulthood. This contributes to a delightful mix of playfulness and relaxed dispositions, making them suitable companions for families, singles, and especially those looking for a sociable and affectionate pet. The Selkirk Rex is a cat that encapsulates charm not only through its appearance but also through its amiable and loving nature.
History
The Selkirk Rex is a distinctive breed of cat characterized by its highly curled hair, which is the result of a natural genetic mutation. This breed began with a single kitten named Miss DePesto, who was born in 1987 in Montana, USA. She exhibited unique curly hair unlike that of her littermates or parentage. Miss DePesto's unusual appearance was not just a fluke, but a genetic trait that sparked interest for further breeding.
Jeri Newman, a local Persian breeder, adopted Miss DePesto. Newman recognized the potential for a new breed and decided to see if the curly coat could be passed on. She bred Miss DePesto to a black Persian male, ensuring that the kittens would have a strong and healthy genetic foundation. This experiment resulted in three kittens, one of whom inherited the distinct curly hair, confirming that the trait was indeed hereditary and dominant. This was the foundational breeding that led to the establishment of the Selkirk Rex breed.
Newman named the breed after her stepfather, making it one of the few breeds to be named after an individual. As Newman developed the breed, she outcrossed with other breeds such as American Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, and Persians. This was done to maintain genetic diversity and robust health in the breed, as well as to solidify certain breed characteristics such as body type and temperament. The American Cat Fanciers Association granted the Selkirk Rex recognition in 1992, followed by The International Cat Association and the Cat Fanciers' Association in later years.
The Selkirk Rex is noted for its sweet and patient personality, often described as a combination of a cat, a dog, and a monkey due to their playful but laid-back nature. They are known for their tolerance and easygoing attitude with families and other pets. The breed's curly coat, which can be long or short, requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its unique texture. However, unlike some other Rex breeds, the Selkirk Rex is not hypoallergenic. Today, the Selkirk Rex continues to charm cat enthusiasts around the world with its unique looks and amiable disposition.